There are many benefits of vitamin A that we would know in this article.​

Let us start with:​

What is vitamin A?

Vitamin A isn't actually one single vitamin, despite the name.

Vitamin A describes a number of different compounds that are collectively referred to as vitamin A. Some of these compounds have similar effects, but each one is unique in what it does for the body.​

These compounds are broken down into two separate categories: retinoids and carotenoids.​

Retinoids can be difficult for the body to create without having certain nutritional requirements met. Because of this, some people believe that retinoids can only be obtained through eating animal food.

This isn't true, though – your body just needs the right balance of nutrients to produce retinoids.​

Carotenoids function as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, as well as having benefits for the eyes and skin. Alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin can all be converted into retinoids, given the right circumstances.​(1)(2)(3)(4)

Vitamin A deficiency leads to a high risk of blindness, and vulnerability to infections.

Not consuming enough retinoids is a leading cause for vitamin A deficiency – especially in vegetarians who don't consume enough carotenoids.

Carotenoids can only be converted to retinoids in ideal circumstances, which means a lot of vegetarians do not get enough retinoids from their diets.​

What is vitamin A good for? 7 health benefits of vitamin A

1 . Vitamin A is essential for good vision

Lutein and zeaxanthin are two of the compounds that can be considered vitamin A. They are also the only two antioxidants that are present in the tissue of the human eye.(6)

Keeping levels of these antioxidants balanced is crucial for ensuring your vision doesn't degenerate. Spinach and kale are high in these particular antioxidants – more so than carrots, which are touted for improving eyesight!

Consuming a regular amount of foods rich in vitamin A – particularly in these two antioxidants will have a healthier vision for longer in life.​

2, Vitamin A improves skin health

Vitamin A helps the body create retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is shown to stop wrinkles from emerging, and can even help get rid of wrinkles that you already have.

Retinoic acid binds receptors in the skin and can smooth out the upper layer. It also helps the body produce collagen, which is the main hormone responsible for skin's strength and elasticity.(8)

​These two actions caused by vitamin A have a powerful effect on the health of human skin.